DECCAN ODYSSEY

Your Jewels of the Deccan journey would begin with you arriving at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, at approximately 3:30 pm, to complete the registration process and check-in formalities. After receiving a traditional Indian welcome with a refreshing welcome drink, you would be shown to your delightful cabins, after completion of all formalities. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart from Mumbai for Bijapur in Karnataka.

Relish breakfast this morning as the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Bijapur - the historic capital of the Sultans of Deccan. Established between the 10th and 11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur often changed hands, passing between many conquerors and invaders. As many scholars, poets, painters, dancers, calligraphers, musicians, Sufi saints and other men of arts flocked to Bijapur which also came to be known as the 'Palmyra of the Deccan'.

Rise early this morning, and after breakfast you would head out to explore the temples and ancient settlements of Aihole and Pattadakal, one of the world's largest temple complexes. Aihole, is often called the cradle of Indian architecture. Here you will explore a few of the over 70 rock cut temples constructed by the Chalukyan kings in a completely experimental style, with each temple different from the others in the complex and any other temples in India itself Continue on to Pattadakal situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River and explore the architectural style here which combines South Indian (Dravidian) and North Indian (Nagara) forms. In fact, this architecture can be seen to have influenced later architecture commissioned by the Hoysala and other dynasties. You will then head back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch.

This morning as you enjoy breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Hospet. Visit the iconic City of Victory - Hampi, a World Heritage site famous for its splendid architecture, sculptures and their historical significance. A short drive would quickly change your landscape from the city bustle to sentient massive boulders as you reach Hampi. Stop at the Narasimha statue and spend some time taking pictures and looking around.

This morning the Deccan Odyssey would roll into royal city of the Nizams - Hyderabad. After an early breakfast this morning, you would disembark and drive towards the epitome of Nizami culture and grandeur - Golconda Fort. Originally a mud fort, it soon acquired impressive proportions after becoming the seat of power of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. After taking in the historic sights of the Fort, you would return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch and rest.

Aurangabad, named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb, is an industrial town in Maharashtra and the stop from where to head out to visit the exceptional Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. The city itself has deep Mughal influences and there are several monuments of note here; the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Makbara and the city’s 52 gates, each with its own history, amongst them.

The Deccan Odyssey would arrive at the Jalgaon station this morning from where, after breakfast on-board, you would disembark and drive to the Ajanta Caves - another World Heritage site and an architectural marvel of its time. The 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves at Ajanta have been masterfully carved and are adorned with sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art, depicting universal pictorial art and are known to depict the fusion between Buddhist and Hindu faith. Lunch would be on-board the Deccan Odyssey and the rest of the time would be at leisure.

After breakfast, you would disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, and bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.